Post navigation

Cattle Dog

Charlie was excited this morning! We got up early and gathered cattle, and because he’s a capable cattle dog, he joined the cowboys in the pasture.

By the time he got back to the house, he was drenched. Not from rain—from the morning dew on the tallgrass.

Charlie is such a great cattle dog. He never chases the cattle, never runs them in the wrong direction. The puppes are still at the stage where they have to stay in the barn while we’re working cattle because their lab excitement gets the best of them…

But not Charles. He’s a seasoned ranch dog and he knows exactly where he’s supposed to be.

He’s a lot like the cowboys in that regard…

Or even the kids. It takes years of gathering cattle to develop that sense of intuition. I’ve watched it in Marlboro Man and Tim, who grew up doing this very thing. I’ve watched it grow and develop in the kids, who have become more and more skilled in knowing where to be as the years go on. And I’ve watched it in Charlie! He knows exactly where he needs to be in order to avoid causing problems.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you Bassets are dumb.

Stubborn? Yes. Dumb? Nope.

In other news, it is very, very difficult to get Charlie to look at the camera when I take his photo.

Unless I ask him if he’s ready for me to go to the house and fry him some bacon.

“Bacon” always gets Charlie’s attention!

Of course, “bacon” always gets my attention, too.

You know how they say people choose dogs that reflect their own personalities?

Ahem.

I love you, Charlie. Soon the work will be over and you can come into the house for a nap.

That 1st pic is hilarious. Loved the Twitter pic of the white lab that wasn’t so white after helping on the ranch yesterday, too. Dogs are such a joy.

corrie

Look at those Muddy Wuddy feets!!!

ann

3 cheers for a well trained dog

Danielle B

How sweet! He’s such a smart boy.

Michelle from the Cape

Good ole Charlie, he is a dog who is very comfortable within his own skin. He needs no pretenses!

Gwen M

Charlie’s a sweetheart for sure. Good pictures of the guy!

Thelma M Velazquez

He is so cute, I love your show. Greetings From Puerto Rico!

Pam

He is so soulful.

http://Facebook Lori craig

I just absolutely love your stories of Charlie,
My question is….. how old are Charlie and Walter??

Karla K

Never met a dog I didn’t love!

http://petbites@bellsouth.net Judy Danneman

Bassets are definitely not dumb !!! I’m on my 3rd one and he is smart and cunning. Knows all the comfortable chairs, steals food from the table, counter surfs, and even sneaks into the open washer (front opening) to borrow a sock to chew on from time to time.

Shelley S

Love the Charlie updates!

Tracey Shelton

I love Charlie. Every time I see pics or read articles or the Charlie books, it brings joy to my heart. You cannot but smile when Charlie is in front of you. Thanks for sharing him so graciously with us.

Carol in KY

Our rat terrier, Lydia the tattooed lady, is farm smart as well. And she always keeps checking on her “people.” She likes it best when she can see both of us from her location.

http://PioneerWoman Brenda Gayhart

Gald you posted photos of Charlie, some people were starting to make comments that he was no longer with us. Thank you for setting them streight.

Deb R

Charlie was excited for the BACON!!! He is just too cute

Laura Mc

Charlie is an AWESOME Bassett! lov um! and the Pioneer Woman & Family❤

Kristin

Every time I see Charlie, he reminds me of my Grandmother’s basset who died a while back. He was the sweetest dog ever. I just love bassets!

Karen

I love your Charlie stories. They remind me of my late, great Jenny Girl. She was a dear, sweet, and very typical Basset! Every time I see Charlie, I think of Jenny. Awesome doggies, those Bassets Hounds. Charlie sounds like such a good boy.

Peg M

What happened to Walter? You never mention him anymore.

Brenda

I just love to see pics of Charlie, no matter what he’s doing because I have seen my own basset hound, Cookie do the same thing! Charlie and Cookie have a lot in common. I love this breed of dog, they are stubborn but so worth it for all the love, affection and joy they bring! Looking forward to Charlie’s next adventure!

Jennie Perez

My boys and I LOVE Charlie and we love reading about his adventures in your books.